Small Businesses: Are You Ready for Black Friday?

The deals, the crowds, the lines, the inventory, the staff, the website, and even the credit card swipers. Every small business owner wants that Black Friday bump, but is your store ready for the rush?

If you're planning a big sale, whether online or at your store, you should also do your best to avoid any customer lawsuits this holiday season. Here are a few tips on prepping your small business for Black Friday:

Security (Online)

Even if you don't have a retail website, businesses can be liable for customer identification theft. Massive retailer hacks, like the one that hit Target, have put all businesses on notice to up their cybersecurity efforts.

Small businesses must be on alert for customer, vendor, and credit card security on Black Friday, so make sure your website and credit card processing systems are secure. (And maybe invest in cybersecurity insurance, just in case.)

Security (IRL)

We've all seen the videos of shopping mayhem on Black Friday. And most store owners don't need to be reminded on how to keep their holiday shoppers safe. But just in case, a few pointers on Black Friday crowd control:

• Avoid "Door-Buster" Deals: Or, better yet, put all your biggest deals online;
• Hire Competent Security: Make shoppers aware of store rules and enforce them; and
• Keep the Store Clean and Clear the Aisles: You may also want to provide clear lines for shoppers, both inside and out.

A Black Friday melee can lead to some expensive premises liability lawsuits, so don't spend on all that money you made during the holiday on paying out injury claims.

Security (Legal)

Black Friday lawsuits are real and they can be costly. Making sure your shoppers are safe, both in the physical and online realm can help avoid getting sued in the first place. If you'd like legal help preparing for the holiday, or you've been sued over Black Friday injuries, you may want to call an experienced business and commercial attorney today.

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Related Resources:

• Browse Business & Commercial Lawyers by Location (FindLaw Directory)
• Is Mobile Shopping the 'New Thanksgiving Tradition'? (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)
• A Business Owner's Legal Guide to the Holidays (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)
• Legal to Force Employees to Work Holidays? (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)